NPC’s cultural program

As part of its 64th annual cultural program on June 12, 2010, the Nowroze Baug Play Centre (NPC) presented Kutra Ni Puchdi Vaki, a hilarious situational comedy performed by Yazdi Karanjia and party from Surat before a full audience at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan auditorium at Chowpatty.

Prior to the staging of the natak, a brief ceremony highlighted the more serious part of the proceedings — the need to raise funds for the sports, educational, medical and cultural activities of the Play Centre. Welcoming the guests, Homi Ustad, vice president of NPC, encapsulated its various activities. He then called on 12-year-old child president Kayumars B. Gandhi to address the gathering. The young lad, who aspires to be an engineer, spoke about the various activities of the NPC. President Pervez Dee then briefly stressed the need to raise funds and requested those present to donate generously toward the NPC’s activities. Ustad noted the absence of Nariman Mehta, president emeritus, who was unfortunately unable to attend due to a leg injury, as per a write-up sent to Parsiana by Yasmin R. Engineer, joint general secretary.

(From l): Homi Ustad, Rohinton Mehta, Pervez Dee, Kayumars Gandhi, Noshir Dadrawala, Mehli Colah, Hormuz Mehta and Yasmin Engineer

Noshir Dadrawala, trustee of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) who was invited to the dais, promised to make his speech short so that the audience could enjoy the play. He told those present: "The BPP cannot solve all your problems. In my personal capacity I can help. Think of me as a friend. I want to see happiness for the community.” Dadrawala mentioned that his clients have to wait a week for an appointment, but any Parsi with a genuine grievance was welcome to approach him 24x7. In response to Ustad’s request, Dadrawala gallantly provided his office address and mobile number.

Ustad also noted the valued contribution of Rohinton J. Mehta who had donated Rs 2,00,000 toward the tuition fees scheme and his brother Hormuz Mehta for assisting Nowroze Baug tenants in the maintenance and development of their colony. After flowers were presented to the dignitaries, including Mehli Colah, chief executive officer of the BPP, a vote of thanks appreciated all those involved in the success of the function. The audience then happily settled down to an evening of unremitting chuckles punctuated by the occasional guffaw at the shenanigans on the stage.